Arguably the finest work from long-time collaborators Robert De Niro and Martin Scorsese. Based on the legendary Jake LaMotta, it follows a troubled, increasingly unstable boxer's career. Nominated for eight Oscars, it took home two statues, including one for De Niro.

Then unknown, Sylvester Stallone wrote and stars in his rags-to-riches boxing drama which went on to win three Oscars and take a whopping $117m at the US box office. Four patchy sequels were to follow before Sly scored another big screen knockout with 2006's Rocky Balboa.

5. Slap Shot (1977)

A raucously brutal - but very, very funny - look at a down-on-their-luck ice hockey team who use violence on the rink to win games. The team's coach is Paul Newman.